In mid-1959, Fender introduced lavishly
appointed new versions of its original solid-bodies — the Telecaster and Esquire. The
models were named “Custom Telecaster”
and “Custom Esquire” (perhaps influenced
by Gibson’s Les Paul Custom). These guitars
retained the basic characteristics and functions of the standard versions while showing
a polished, classy new look.
This month’s guitar has the classic appointments of a late 1959 Custom Telecaster,
which include an alder body finished in 3-
color sunburst, white binding around the top
and back, a three-ply greenish pickguard, and
a gold Fender logo with “Custom Telecaster”
written below. The rest of the features match
those of a standard late-1959 Telecaster:
a “slab board” rosewood fingerboard with
clay dots, a slim neck profile, and single line
Kluson Deluxe tuning machines.
Unlike many other late-fifties Fenders finished in three-color sunburst, this guitar
has retained most of the red tint originally
applied. The unstable red stain used by
Fender at that time would often fade when
exposed to sunlight, leaving only the black
and yellow parts of the sunburst. Evidence of
some fading on this example can be seen in
the three dark rectangles on the upper bout.
As was customary at the time, the original
owner had his initials stuck to the guitar with
mailbox letters, shielding those areas from
light for more than three decades.
One of the best sources for detailed information on most kinds of Teles is The Fender
Telecaster by A.R. Duchossoir.
Dave's Guitar Shop
Daves Rogers’ Collection is tended to by
Laun Braithwaite & Tim Mullally
All photos credit Tim Mullally
Dave’s Collection is on display at:
Dave's Guitar Shop
1227 Third Street South
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-785-7704
davesguitar.com
